Business Administrator I, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Business Administrator I, Agriculture and Natural Resources Job no: 502934 College / VP Area: College of Ag & Natural Res Work type: Staff Location: Newark, DE Categories: Administrative Support, Full Time

CONTEXT OF THE JOB

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is comprised of four academic departments—Plant & Soil Sciences, Animal and Food Sciences, Applied Economics and Statistics, and Entomology and Wildlife Ecology—alongside the State Experimental Station, which includes the Newark Farm and the Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown. The College also hosts Cooperative Extension and the Dean's Office, which oversees central support offices—inclusive of Communications, Facilities, IT, Events, and Academic Services—as well as College programs such as the UDairy Creamery, Fresh to You, and the UD Botanic Gardens. The Business Administrator role primarily manages the administrative and fiscal functions of both the UDairy Creamery and Newark Farm units. In addition, this role acts as liaison between the college and university administrators, vendors, other educational institutions, and government agencies to resolve complex issues and exchange information to ensure smooth operational efficiency of both entities. This position also provides financial oversight for various units within the Dean's suite of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, including but not limited to Facilities Management, Undergraduate Student Services Team, Communications, and Events.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages the administrative, business, and financial needs of the UDairy Creamery and Newark Farm. Provides financial oversight and processing support for various units within the Dean's suite, including Facilities Management, Undergraduate Student Services Team, Communications, and Events. Manages over $2,000,000 in expenses annually for UDairy Creamery and Newark Farm operations, including review, tracking, administration, and payment processing through UD Exchange for vendor payment schedules. Collaborates with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payments to vendors and resolve issues. Provides Director, Farm Superintendent, and various unit managers with budgets, projections, and funding availability; monitors and reviews all expenditures for funding, reporting, policy compliance, performs analyses, processes required forms, and provides projections. Manages revenue and expenditures for Newark Farm’s operations; audits and reports financial transactions to funding sources (including State funds, self-supporting and endowment). Audits and approves all credit card transactions for UDairy Creamery and Newark Farm locations and units; serves as Concur Liaison. Develops and implements financial and business procedures that improve operational efficiency and comply with applicable University policies. Manages UD WorkForce system for Newark Farm exempt staff, students, and part‑time employees; serves as backup approver for all Newark Farm units. In conjunction with Farm Superintendent purchases and maintains accurate records of all purchased and leased equipment. Responsible for cash management operations for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, including receipt, review, and verification of all cash and check receipts and transmittals; ensures compliance with federal, state, and internal audit guidelines. Advises departments and units on university cash policies; handles incoming departmental mail pertaining to returned checks, resolution reports, and wires; prepares required cash transmittals and journal vouchers; processes stop payments as needed. Works closely with the Grants Team to ensure delegated authority payments are recorded and processed within UD cash policy guidelines. Serves as PCI DSS point of contact for credit card processing for Dean's Office Event Team, participates in annual training and reporting to ensure PCI compliance. Oversees Clover credit card processing transactions in UDeposit. Assists with coordination and submission of grant applications for UDairy Creamery and Newark Farm. Serves as Department Purchasing Specialist in UD Exchange for the Dean's Office. Independently resolves administrative procedural problems and makes recommendations to unit leads; performs a broad range of highly confidential administrative duties requiring initiative and judgment. Ensures adherence to all University of Delaware financial policies and procedures, and relevant state and federal laws; maintains confidential files and records. Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules. Independently evaluates processes and procedures and recommends changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree and four years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience; degree in business administration, management, accounting, or related field preferred. Skilled in preparing budgets and forecasting; ability to execute and integrate financial analyses and prepare summaries and projections. Proficient computer skills and experience using spreadsheet, charting and other software tools, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Effective organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks. Demonstrated analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures. Familiarity with UD accounting system and PeopleSoft financials is preferred. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion, especially with regards to sensitive or confidential personnel or organizational matters. Notice of Non‑Discrimination and Equal Opportunity The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence. #J-18808-Ljbffr AgHires